In A Tale of Two Cities, Dickens wrote “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”

Such is the case with today’s professional athletes.

For on one hand, riches are theirs.  They are in need of nothing.  But, on the other hand, money can bring more problems than they could ever dream.  Money can accelerate bad habits.  Money can damage key relationships.  Money is the X factor.

From their earliest days on the playground, every athlete was dreaming of scoring that winning touchdown or hoisting that championship trophy.  But, for most, they were dreaming about more than that.  They were dreaming about dollars.  Lots of them.  Millions of them.  

Fast forward about fifteen years and throw in a million bucks and you are at an interesting place.  A place only a rare few will ever be.    And a place even fewer will enjoy for the long-haul.

The power of money

Money raises expectations.   Money brings a lot of creature comforts that anyone would enjoy.  Better house, furnishings, cars, shoes.  Everything.  But, it also can set unreasonable, unsustainable expectations.  Don’t fall into this trap.  All things in moderation.

Money lowers the fear of risk.  And not in a good way.  A healthy fear of risk is needed in order to protect your assets going forward.

Money will disappear rapidly without a disciplined approach.  You need structure.  You need a plan.  Part of that plan should be preparation for your next career.   

Money can make your entire lifetime better, with a disciplined approach.  You already won the lottery.  Now guard it and grow it.  Sync those earnings with those that you will gain in your next career.

Making millions will propel your life in one direction or the other.  Use the lessons you learned in training and competing to govern your decision making.  Be disciplined.  Be wise.  And make that money last.  You only get one shot at this.  There are no mulligans.

No, Mr. Dickens, not for me.  For me, it was only the best of times.